D-aspartic acid is a non-essential amino acid. It is an isomer of L-aspartic acid, which is one of the 23 amino acids that synthesize proteins in our body.

Amino acids are molecules that perform various functions in the body. They are the building blocks of protein and certain neurotransmitters and hormones.

Each amino acid can occur in two forms. Aspartic acid can be found as D-aspartic acid or L-aspartic acid. These two forms have the same chemical formula, but the molecular structure is a mirror image of each other.

L-aspartic acid is produced both in nature and by our bodies, it is used to build proteins. On the other hand, its isomer, DAA aid in making and releasing hormones.

D-aspartic can increase the release of hormones in the brain that can, in turn, lead to testosterone production. It is believed to help both production and release of testosterone, and for this reason, it is popular as a testosterone boosting supplement.

How D-aspartic acid helps boost testosterone

When DAA acid accumulates in the frontal region of the hypothalamus, it signals the hypothalamus to release gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This causes an increase in secretion of both growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and prolactin release factors (PRF).

These three hormones then signal the pituitary gland to release more of human growth hormone (HGH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Luteinizing hormone (LH) travels to the testes and stimulates the production of testosterone inside the Leydig cells within testes.

Research on effectiveness of D-aspartic acid as a testosterone booster

Several studies have been conducted to understand the efficacy of D-aspartic acid on testosterone levels in both animals and humans. Lets us check out what some of these studies found out.

The role and molecular mechanism of D-aspartic acid in the release and synthesis of LH and testosterone in humans and rats

In this study, 23 men were given sodium D-aspartic acid daily for 12 days, and another group of 20 men was given a placebo. In the animal study, a group of 10 rats were given either sodium D-aspartic acid or a placebo for 12 days. At the end of the study, it was found:

· In rats and humans, sodium D-aspartate induces an increase of Luteinizing Hormone and testosterone release

· Sodium D-aspartate enhances the release and synthesis of Luteinizing Hormone through the involvement of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)

d-Aspartic acid supplementation combined with 28 days of heavy resistance training does not affect body composition, muscle strength, and serum hormones associated with the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis in resistance-trained men.

In this study, 20 resistance trained men ages 18-29 resistance trained four times a week and ingested either 3gm of placebo or D-aspartic acid for 28 days. At the end of the study period, scientists noted that in the placebo group there was:

No change in body composition

No change in testosterone or estrogen levels

Three and six grams supplementation of d-aspartic acid in resistance trained men

The study involved 24 men with a minimum of two years’ experience in resistance training. The participants were divided into three groups, one group received 3gm d aspartic acid, the second received 6 gm aspartic acid, and the third was given a placebo. They trained four days a week and consumed the supplement each morning. The study revealed:

a daily dose of 6 grams of d-aspartic acid decreased free testosterone and total testosterone levels

3 grams of d-aspartic acid did not affect the testosterone markers

D-Aspartate, a Key Element for the Improvement of Sperm Quality

In this study, thirty men with oligo-asthenozoospermia and thirty men with asthenozoospermia were given a 2.66 grams daily dose of sodium d-aspartate for 90 days. It was found that:

D-aspartate supplementation significantly increased the motility and concentration of spermatozoa

Increase in serum testosterone levels

Possible side effects of d-aspartic acid supplementation

D-aspartic acid supplementation can cause a variety of side effects, which may include:

Higher estrogen levels that may cause symptoms such as:

Gynecomastia

Bloating

Prostate problems

Low libido

Higher dihydrotestosterone that can cause acne and hair loss

Reduced production of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps transmit messages between the brain and the nervous system. This can cause fatigue and depression.

You should avoid using D-aspartic acid if you are:

Under 21 years of age

Having increased testosterone levels

Having excess levels of estrogen or DHT

Suffering from hyperthyroidism

Suffering from depression or other mental health problems

The Bottom Line

D-aspartic acid does seem to boost testosterone levels. It is particularly good for people battling infertility due to low sperm count and motility. However, research also shows that it does not work on resistance trained men. If you are into intense workouts and looking to boost your testosterone, stamina or muscle mass, this may not be the best thing for you.

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About William Horton

William is the Chief Editor of Supplement Investigator. He started this site because he was sick of all the misinformation being spread by the supplement industry. He lives with his wife in Brooklyn, New York.

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Disclaimer: The information contained on Supplement Investigator is intended for informational and educational purposes only. If you plan to use any of the supplements mentioned on this site, you should first consult with a medical professional.